Part A
ADS7846E
Texas Instruments
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 5291 PCS
- Package
- SSOP-16
- Series
- Data Acquisition - Touch Screen Controllers
Replacement verdict
Compatible functional replacement candidate
The ADS7846E and ADS7841EG4 are both 12-bit SAR analog-to-digital converters from Texas Instruments in a 16-pin SSOP package, sharing a compatible serial control interface and similar supply requirements. However, the ADS7846E integrates an on-chip temperature sensor and touch-screen drivers with a 4-wire SPI interface, while the ADS7841EG4 is a 4-channel single-ended input ADC with a standard SPI interface. The ADS7841EG4 can serve as a functional substitute only where the touch-screen controller and temperature-sensing features of the ADS7846E are not required; designers must validate input configuration and interface timing against the target application before committing to a drop-in replacement.
Resolution and Architecture
Validation required
Input Configuration
Validation required
Package Type
Validation required
Integrated Features
Not compatible
Parts at a glance
Part B
ADS7841EG4
Texas Instruments
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 8773 PCS
- Package
- SSOP-16
- Series
- Data Acquisition - Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)
Key differences
Rows are prioritized by design impact. Highlighted values require attention during substitution.
Key electrical and mechanical differences between the two devices
| Parameter | ADS7846E | ADS7841EG4 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution (bits) | 12 | 12 | Both are 12-bit SAR ADCs, so conversion resolution is equivalent for substitutability. |
| Number of Input Channels | 4 (single-ended) / 2 (differential) | 4 (single-ended) / 2 (differential) | Channel count determines how many analog signals can be multiplexed into the ADC. |
| Interface Type | SPI (serial) | SPI (serial) | Both use a serial SPI interface, allowing similar microcontroller connectivity. |
| Supply Voltage (V) | 2.7 to 5.25 | 2.7 to 5.25 | Compatible supply ranges ensure the parts can operate in the same system rails. |
| On-chip Touch Screen Controller | Yes (includes touch screen controller with pen-interrupt and temperature sensing) | No (standalone ADC) | The ADS7846E integrates touch screen control functions, while the ADS7841EG4 is a plain ADC, so they are not functionally interchangeable in touch applications. |
| Package / Mounting | SSOP-16 (surface mount) | SSOP-16 (surface mount) | Matching package and footprint simplifies board-level replacement. |
| Sampling Rate (max) | 125 kSPS | 200 kSPS | Different maximum throughput affects how fast signals can be sampled in the target application. |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 to +85 °C | -40 to +85 °C | Identical temperature ratings support use in the same environmental conditions. |
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Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | ADS7846E | ADS7841EG4 |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier | - | Texas Instruments |
| Part Status | Active | Discontinued at Digi-Key |
| Number of Bits | - | 12 |
| Sampling Rate(Per Second) | - | 200k |
| Number of Inputs | - | 4 |
| Input Type | - | Single Ended |
| Data Interface | - | SPI |
| Configuration | - | MUX-S/H-ADC |
| Ratio - S / H: ADC | - | 1:1 |
| Number of A/D Converters | - | 1 |
| Architecture | - | SAR |
| Reference Type | - | External |
| Voltage - Supply, Analog | - | 2.7V ~ 3.6V, 5V |
| Voltage - Supply, Digital | - | 2.7V ~ 3.6V, 5V |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 85°C | -40°C ~ 125°C |
| Touchscreen | 4 Wire Resistive | - |
| Resolution(Bits) | 12 b | - |
| Interface | SPI | - |
| Voltage Reference | External, Internal | - |
| Voltage - Supply | 2.2V ~ 5.25V | - |
| Supply Current | 500 µA | - |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount | - |
Frequently asked questions
What are the key differences between the ADS7846E and ADS7841EG4?
The ADS7846E is a 4-wire resistive touch screen controller with an integrated 12-bit SAR ADC, on-chip temperature sensor, and SPI-compatible serial interface, housed in a 16-pin SSOP package. The ADS7841EG4 is a standalone 12-bit, 4-channel SAR ADC with a serial interface, offered in a 16-pin SSOP package (the "G4" suffix denotes lead-free/RoHS-compliant packaging). The ADS7846E includes touch-screen drive and control circuitry, while the ADS7841EG4 is a general-purpose ADC without touch-screen control functions.
Are the ADS7846E and ADS7841EG4 pin-compatible?
No. Although both devices are offered in 16-pin SSOP packages, their pin functions differ. The ADS7846E dedicates pins to touch-screen drive signals (X+, X-, Y+, Y-) and a pen-interrupt output, whereas the ADS7841EG4 uses its pins for four analog input channels (CH0–CH3) and a serial digital interface. A direct drop-in replacement is not possible without verifying pin functions against the respective datasheets.
Do both devices have the same ADC resolution and sampling rate?
Both are 12-bit successive-approximation register (SAR) ADCs. The ADS7846E supports a throughput rate up to 125 kSPS, while the ADS7841EG4 supports up to 200 kSPS. The maximum sampling rate differs, so system timing must be validated if substituting one for the other.
What is the difference in analog input configuration between the two parts?
The ADS7846E is configured for 4-wire resistive touch-screen measurement, with differential and single-ended modes referenced to the touch panel drive voltages. The ADS7841EG4 provides four single-ended analog input channels (CH0–CH3) that can be configured as single-ended or differential pairs via the serial control word. The input architecture and reference configuration are therefore not interchangeable without design changes.
Do the ADS7846E and ADS7841EG4 use the same serial interface?
Both use an SPI-compatible serial interface, but the control word formats and command sets differ. The ADS7846E control byte selects touch-screen channel, power-down mode, and reference mode, while the ADS7841EG4 control byte selects channel, single-ended/differential mode, and power-down. Firmware must be rewritten to match the respective command protocols.
What are the supply voltage and power consumption characteristics of each device?
Both devices operate from a single supply in the 2.7 V to 5.25 V range. The ADS7846E typically draws approximately 500 µA in active mode at 2.7 V with a 125 kSPS rate, and features a shutdown mode reducing current to under 1 µA. The ADS7841EG4 typically draws approximately 550 µA at 5 V and 200 kSPS, with a power-down mode below 1 µA. Exact figures should be confirmed against the manufacturer datasheets for the specific operating conditions.
Can the ADS7841EG4 replace the ADS7846E in a touch-screen application?
No. The ADS7841EG4 lacks the touch-screen drive circuitry, pen-interrupt output, and touch-specific control logic integrated into the ADS7846E. Replacing the ADS7846E with the ADS7841EG4 in a touch-screen design would require external drive and control circuitry, making it unsuitable as a direct substitute.
What does the "G4" suffix on the ADS7841EG4 indicate?
The "G4" suffix denotes that the device is supplied in a lead-free (Pb-free), RoHS-compliant package, per Texas Instruments packaging nomenclature. The ADS7846E is available in standard and lead-free package options; the specific ordering code should be checked to confirm RoHS compliance for a given design.